This book will help students develop their understanding of how the internet is impacting on social work education and practice in 21st century. Essential reading for students interested in the influence of digital technology and social media, including the impact of digital divides, this book looks at how the value-base of social work can have a positive effect on service users and carers who engage with digital services.

Introduction

Social Impact of ICT in 21st Century

Contemporary Digital Policy

Digital Equity, Digital Divides

Implications for Education

Implications for Placements

Digital Literacy

Conclusion

Social Work in a Digital Society is valuable addition to social work education. Its strengths lie in the clarity of the content presented and in the organization of the chapters... What is most commendable is the attention to social exclusion and marginalization that runs through the work. The underlying themes of social justice will endure as a dominant critical analysis.

Brian Rasmussen

Clinical Social Work Journal

A good introduction to the topic which needs to be explored in social work training in our modern age.

I have a particular interest in this area and I find it an area of interest for many new students, espacially those familiar with technology from an early age. I found it useful in engaging students in this area as it was an accesible and well put together text. The students I have reccomended it to found it beneficial in developing their knowledge on how technology can be applied in a social work context.

The book provides a good overview on the importance of IT skills within social work. The book also outlines issues arising in the contemporary context of social media and social work and is thought provoking for strudents, who may not have considered these aspects of practice.

The Digital Society is increasingly becoming the "norm". Even if individuals choose not to join they will need to know what it is and how to avoid it. This is the book that shows what effect the rush into "Digitalism" can have.

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Sue Watling

Sue Watling has 20 years experience of supporting access to digital environments in a range of areas, including Adult and Community Education and Social Services. For the past decade she has worked within higher education and watched with interest the increasing incursion of the Internet and digitisation of learning resources. Currently located in the University of Lincoln’s Centre for Educational Research and Development, she supports the institutional development of inclusive digital content with a particular interest in raising staff and student awareness of digital divides. More About Author

Jim Rogers

Jim Rogers is currently a senior lecturer at the University of Lincoln in the Hull School of Social Work. He teaches on a range of modules on both undergraduate and post qualifying social programmes. He has been responsible for several years for co-ordinating the first year of the BSc Social work programme and has also developed several new programmes of study including a Certificate in the Mental Health and Well Being of Older People and a Best Interests Assessor Programme at PQ level. Jim's research interests are in the fields of mental health and also in complementary therapies. More About Author